NZ Soldiers Ready To Deploy To East Timor Soon
New Zealand soldiers on the ground in Darwin may be ready to deploy to East Timor by early next week.
The 260 soldiers who are currently acclimatising and carrying out final training in Darwin will be at operational readiness as early as Tuesday of next week.
The Joint Commander, Brig Lou Gardiner, said dependant on the tactical situation on the ground, a decision would be made early next week on when to deploy.
“Our original plan was to deploy with our full complement of 25 armoured personnel carriers which are not scheduled to arrive till early next month.
“However, if there is a change in the tactical situation and we are able to deploy with our current four armoured personnel carriers we will consider that position,” he said.
A final decision will be made by the Chief of Defence Force in New Zealand, Air Marshal, Carey Adamson.
ENDS